I just finished breaking in an Anthem MCA 30 that I'm using to drive my LFC speakers. It's mated with a Classe SSP 30 and it sounds wonderful for Home theatre and 2 channel. If money is an object(and it generally is) then value for dollar the Anthem is a great buy for thousands less than the B&K and Bryston.
Front and rear amps
I am ugrading my "stereo" to home theater after many years. I have an old B&K ST-202 modified by Sound Unlimited along with a B&K MC Sonata 10 preamp. I realize I will have to upgrade the preamp to a new preamp/processor. I am wondering if I have options with the amp. Can I use it for the rear channels and get a new 3 channel amp for the fronts and center. Do they need to be from B&K or can I get something else. Or should I just get a new 5 channel amp. I'm still auditioning speakers but I am leaning towards Magnepans. Any thoughts would be appreciated.